Homemade maple-toasted pumpkin seed butter is a great start to the new year

Brandi is natural born food lover of anything from gourmet cheeses and wine down to plain baked breads. When not in the kitchen cooking, she loves to be outdoors, especially near the ocean. She puts her focus mainly on healthy organic ea...

Peanut butter? Sure, we've all been there and done that, so why not try something new and unusual for your next snack? Did you know you can buy pumpkin seeds in the bulk section of most health food stores, roast them at home and blend them into a smooth and creamy peanut butter-like spread?

Once you try this, you won't believe how simple it is to make healthy homemade nut and seed butters. This idea is a super-healthy snack, since pumpkin seeds are rich in protein, magnesium, iron and even zinc.

Spread this all over apples, top off your oatmeal with a spoonful, or even whip up your kids a healthy pumpkin butter and jam sandwich.

Homemade maple-toasted pumpkin seed butter recipe

Organic pumpkin seeds are toasted and blended with maple syrup and sea salt for a new take on peanut butter alternatives.